10 important things to consider when you decide to adopt a dog

Adopting a dog is no small task and can be especially daunting for first-time pet owners.

Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider that will help make your time at the shelter a little bit easier.

Follow the 10 tips below to ensure you’ll be providing a forever home to a dog in need.

Ask for an assessment of a dog’s behavior and health, if one isn’t provided.

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It’s important to find a dog that fits your lifestyle and personality.

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“Any established shelter that prides itself on being at the forefront of animal rescue will provide behavioral and health assessments,” Ryan Parker, a certified dog trainer from The Humane Society of Ocean City, told INSIDER.

Many reputable shelters will take the time to analyze the personality, energy level, and more of each dog they’re putting up for adoption.

Make note of a dog’s energy level.

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Some breeds are more active than others.

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Before making a decision, it’s important to consider the amount of energy and time you have to devote to a new four-legged friend. According to Parker, if the energy level of the owner’s household doesn’t match that of the dog, the adoption often does not work out.

Consider the following questions: Do you live in a smaller urban area without much room for your new dog to run around? Do you live on a farm with a big family and plenty of space? How do potential adoptees interact with their handlers at the shelter?

Make sure you find out as much as you can about a dog’s history.

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It can give you insight into a dog’s behavior.

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Here are some questions you may want to ask at the shelter, according to The Humane Society of the United States: How long has the dog been at the shelter? Did the dog arrive as a stray? Was the dog surrendered by a previous owner? If so, why?

While food guarding is a mostly normal behavior that develops when dogs have to compete for food as a puppy or a stray, an overly aggressive response to food can be dangerous for you or anyone in your household.

As such, it’s important to talk to a dog shelter about potential adoptees and how they respond to food. It might also be worth asking the shelter to feed a dog in front of you so you can assess the situation yourself.

See how your prospective pup socializes with humans and other dogs.

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You can learn a lot from first impressions.

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A dog that has been adequately socialized is friendly to most people and other animals. Well-socialized dogs are also more comfortable in unfamiliar situations, instead of anxious or aggressive, according to the Animal Humane Society.

When you’re at the animal shelter, be sure to take note of a dog’s first reaction to you. Are they cautious, aggressive, or friendly? First impressions will give you a good idea of how your new dog will react to strangers on the street and in your home.

It’s also a good idea to see how a potential adoptee interacts with other dogs. Ask the people at the shelter if their dogs get to go outside and play with each other, which exposes them to new surroundings and encourages them to socialize.

Figure out whether you want to adopt a purebred or a mixed-breed dog.

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It’s important to do your research.

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Since different breeds of dogs have different needs, take the time to learn about all the ones you’re considering adopting.

Find out how old a prospective pet is.

On the other hand, older dogs tend to have lower energy levels and are often already trained. However, older dogs are also more likely to have health problems – which may not be a financially viable option for some people.

Test how well-trained a dog already is.

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Many dogs can be trained to perform dozens of behaviors.

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When you’re looking for a dog at the shelter, you can do a couple of quick tests to assess the potential adoptee’s intelligence and level of training.

For example, do they come to you when you call their name? Do they walk well on a leash or do they constantly pull you all over the place? Can they follow basic commands like sit or stay?

Be sure you have your house ready and any supplies they might need.

Is the dog microchipped? Do they need medication you have to obtain? Do you have food, toys, and grooming supplies? All of these are important questions to ask yourself before you officially adopt a dog and take them home.